Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 9th September 2013, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above Match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 64th minute of the above Match. You were sin binned by the Match Referee following this incident. In the Panel’s opinion you became involved in a confrontation with an opponent and struck out towards him in a violent manner. The Panel believed that this behaviour was misconduct and against the spirit of the game.
In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade A offence (Strikes – Punching). If found to have committed the offence, again in accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is from no further action to a 1 match suspension. In addition the Tribunal has the power to impose such fine as it considers reasonable.
Under the RFL Disciplinary Guidelines you are not eligible to take an Early Guilty Plea due to your previous disciplinary record.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence

Player not attending and has instructed his Coach Mr Charlton to plead guilty. E mail from the club indicating the player was sorry for his actions and for becoming involved. Did receive a cut lip as a result of his involvement. Conceded official took the correct action.

Decision

Guilty plea

Reasons for Decision

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction

Additional submission that the DVD shows a punch by the player whilst his opponent was on the ground-opponent did not appear to make contact with any punches and was not referred to the tribunal

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction

Guilty plea- concedes should not have become involved

Aggravating Factors

Actions resulted in minor on field melee

Mitigating Factors

Reasons for Decision

The tribunal have carefully viewed the DVD on several occasions. It shows this player punching the opponent whilst on the ground. This resulted in a reaction from the opponents and this player can clearly be seen to throw punches violently at the opponent. This caused a minor melee involving players from both sides .In deciding the appropriate sanction the tribunal note this player improved his disciplinary record from 2001 to 2012 when unfortunately he appears to have returned to actions of misconduct. The tribunal take into account his plea of guilty but note that he has been subject of two suspensions within the last 18 months. The tribunal are satisfied the player is culpable in this incident and feel that a 1 match suspension and £50 fine is appropriate.

The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 3845473. The registered address is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds, LS17 8NB. The VAT Registration Number of The Rugby Football League Limited is 168 8110 49